Google is first and foremost an Internet company. While the Android Marketplace now offers a robust 50,000 apps, the company this week opened the Chrome Web App Store to market its online applications. And so Google, doing what it does best, has streamlined many of their Web services for mobile browsers, giving everyone with access to an Internet-enabled handset a way to use their favorite Google applications without having to download a single thing to their phone.
Gmail Mobile
Gmail is the hub of Google’s services, so it’s no surprise that the mobile version of the site looks great, regardless of the mobile device you access it from. Appearances aside though, the application offers the full Gmail experience. Whether you need to send or receive mail, view and apply labels, or star items for later, the Gmail mobile Web app has you covered. Because each Android phone is initially activated by a single user’s Gmail account, this Web app is a handy alternative for those who need to borrow a phone to check their mail on a phone they don’t own.
Google Reader
Another of Google’s full featured Web apps. Google Reader lets you read feeds, star items or add new sites to keep track of; all in the palm of your hand and without having to hog any of your mobile’s minimal storage space. The interface loses nothing in the mobile version, so power Google Reader users will have no trouble getting acquainted with it quickly. The familiar layout will have you sharing and commenting on items immediately.
Google Mobile Tasks
This is the only task-keeping app you’ll need for your phone. Like all the Google Web apps, the interface is super neat and simple to use. The real killer feature of this app is that when setting a due date for a task, the application will automatically sync the date with your Google Calendar. Combine this with Google Calendar reminders for a killer integrated to-do list.
Picasa Web Albums
The Picasa app is one of the best looking mobile Web apps I’ve ever seen. It’s a beautiful interface to browse and comment on your photos, the photos of your favorite users and the Picasa community. You can also upload photos from your device using email. Combine this with the desktop app and Web backup, and you truly have the ultimate photo storage and backup solution.
Google Docs
Mobile Google Docs is a quick way to view both your Google documents and spreadsheets on the go. You still can’t edit docs on the fly, but once that feature is available, other services like Evernote may be in trouble.
Google’s mobile Web apps are a space- and- cost-conscious alternative to downloadable apps and the Google mobile Web experience offers users an elegant and simple way to take advantage of their Google account, regardless of phone preferences. You can view all of Google’s mobile Web offerings, as well as multi-platform downloadable applications here.
